The roof
The job
More costs and pricingUnderlayment, trim, fasteners, insulation, permits, dumpster, gutters, tax, overhead
See full breakdown
A metal roof costs about $7 to $29 per square foot installed, which puts a 2,000 sq ft roof at roughly $14,000 to $58,000. Corrugated or exposed fastener steel is the cheapest at $7 to $12, metal shingles run $10 to $18, standing seam $12 to $22, aluminum $10 to $20 and copper $25 to $40. To price your own roof, multiply the footprint by the pitch factor (about 1.12 at 6/12), add 10% to 15% for waste, then add tear off and local labor, which is usually 40% to 60% of the bill.
How to calculate metal roof cost
A metal roof is priced on its real surface, not on the floor plan. This metal roofing cost calculator works out that surface first, then stacks metal, labor and extras on top in the order a roofer writes a bid.
| Estimate a job homeowners | Build a quote roofers | |
|---|---|---|
| Roof area | Footprint × pitch factor (or the roof area you measured), plus 10% or 15% for waste | Footprint × pitch factor, plus your waste %, counted in squares of 100 sq ft |
| Metal and labor | Installed price per sq ft for the metal you pick, with the labor half adjusted to roofer pay in your state | Panel cost × material to order, plus labor per square × squares |
| Extras | Heavier gauge, tear off by layer and new gutters | Underlayment, trim, fasteners, tear off, permits, dumpster, gutters, sales tax and markup |
| Final price | Roof to price × installed rate + Extras | (Materials + Labor + Extras + Overhead) ÷ (1 minus profit margin) |
Worked example: 2,000 sq ft footprint, 6/12 pitch, standing seam, one layer torn off, US average labor
When to use this metal roof cost calculator
Open the metal roofing cost calculator whenever a metal roof number needs checking, whether the roof is your own or a customer's.
- Planning a new roof or a replacement: get a working budget before the first inspection.
- Comparing metals: switch between corrugated steel, standing seam, tin, aluminum, zinc and copper and watch the total move. On a 2,000 sq ft roof, stepping up from corrugated steel to copper adds more than the whole steel roof costs.
- Moving from shingles to metal: asphalt runs $4 to $8 per sq ft installed, so you can see exactly what the longer life of metal will cost you up front.
- Checking a roofer's bid: set the size, pitch and state to match the bid and compare. A bid far above the range with no tear off, decking or trim work to explain it deserves a few questions.
- Steel types and finishes: compare galvanized, Galvalume and painted panels by gauge.
- Corrugated or standing seam tin: price both profiles on the same roof. Exposed fastener panels cost about half as much per panel as standing seam, though the screws need checking every 10 to 15 years while standing seam has none on show.
- Add ons: underlayment, insulation, gutters, trim and coatings as their own lines.
- Different roof pitches: see how a steeper slope adds both surface and labor.
- Financing the project: know the figure before you talk to a lender.
- Preparing client quotes: roofers can open the Build a quote tab, enter their own panel cost, labor per square, markup and margin, and hand the homeowner a printed copy or a shareable link.
How much does a metal roof cost by type?
The metal and the panel style set most of the price. These are 2026 installed costs with labor included; pick the same type in the calculator to adjust for your roof and your state.
| Metal roof type | Installed per sq ft | Per square | 2,000 sq ft roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated or exposed fastener steel | $7 to $12 | $700 to $1,200 | $14,000 to $24,000 |
| Metal shingles | $10 to $18 | $1,000 to $1,800 | $20,000 to $36,000 |
| Standing seam | $12 to $22 | $1,200 to $2,200 | $24,000 to $44,000 |
| Aluminum | $10 to $20 | $1,000 to $2,000 | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Stone coated steel | $12 to $18 | $1,200 to $1,800 | $24,000 to $36,000 |
| Tin (terne coated steel) | $10 to $18 | $1,000 to $1,800 | $20,000 to $36,000 |
| Zinc | $18 to $30 | $1,800 to $3,000 | $36,000 to $60,000 |
| Copper | $25 to $40 | $2,500 to $4,000 | $50,000 to $80,000 |
For comparison, asphalt shingles cost $4 to $8 per sq ft installed. Metal usually lasts 40 to 70 years, asphalt 15 to 30.
What does a 1,000 to 3,000 sq ft metal roof cost?
The sizes below are roof surface, not floor area. A one story home usually has 1.1 to 1.5 times its footprint in roof, so run your footprint through the pitch factor before reading across.
| Roof surface | Squares | Corrugated steel | Standing seam | Any metal roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 10 | $7,000 to $12,000 | $12,000 to $22,000 | $7,000 to $29,000 |
| 1,200 sq ft | 12 | $8,400 to $14,400 | $14,400 to $26,400 | $8,400 to $34,800 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 15 | $10,500 to $18,000 | $18,000 to $33,000 | $10,500 to $43,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 20 | $14,000 to $24,000 | $24,000 to $44,000 | $14,000 to $58,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 25 | $17,500 to $30,000 | $30,000 to $55,000 | $17,500 to $72,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 30 | $21,000 to $36,000 | $36,000 to $66,000 | $21,000 to $87,000 |
Copper runs above the last column: $50,000 to $80,000 on a 2,000 sq ft roof. Waste and tear off come on top of every figure here.
How much do metal roofing panels cost by gauge?
Material only, for roofers and anyone buying panels direct. Profile, gauge and paint system set the panel price; labor, trim, underlayment and delivery come on top.
| Panel | Gauge and finish | Cost per sq ft | Per square |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated, exposed fastener | 26 ga, SMP paint | $1.50 to $2.00 | $150 to $200 |
| Corrugated, exposed fastener | 24 ga, SMP paint | $1.75 to $2.00 | $175 to $200 |
| Corrugated, exposed fastener | 24 ga, PVDF paint | $2.30 to $2.65 | $230 to $265 |
| Corrugated, exposed fastener | 22 ga, PVDF paint | $3.40 to $4.00 | $340 to $400 |
| Standing seam, concealed fastener | 24 ga, Galvalume or galvanized | $2.20 to $4.05 | $220 to $405 |
| Standing seam, concealed fastener | 24 ga, PVDF paint | $2.60 to $5.00 | $260 to $500 |
| Standing seam, concealed fastener | 24 ga, specialty paint | $4.15 to $8.25 | $415 to $825 |
| Bare steel sheet | Galvalume or galvanized | $1.50 to $3.50 | $150 to $350 |
| Painted steel sheet | Any gauge | $2.00 to $4.00 | $200 to $400 |
| Aluminum | Any profile | $3.50 to $6.50 | $350 to $650 |
| Copper or zinc | Any profile | $13 to $25 | $1,300 to $2,500 |
24 gauge steel costs 25% to 40% more than 26 gauge, and PVDF paint 30% to 40% more than SMP. A 3 ft by 20 ft sheet is 60 sq ft of panel, so about $90 to $120 in 26 gauge corrugated.
How much do roofers charge to install a metal roof?
Installation labor runs $300 to $1,200 per square, or $3 to $12 per sq ft, and installation makes up 40% to 60% of a metal roof's price. Roofer pay in your state moves that figure, so look yours up below.
Metal roof labor cost per square by state
| State | Typical labor per square | Roofer pay vs US average |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $245 to $990 | 18% below |
| Alaska | $360 to $1,445 | 20% above |
| Arizona | $255 to $1,025 | 15% below |
| Arkansas | $255 to $1,030 | 14% below |
| California | $345 to $1,375 | 15% above |
| Colorado | $280 to $1,120 | 7% below |
| Connecticut | $335 to $1,345 | 12% above |
| Delaware | $320 to $1,285 | 7% above |
| District of Columbia | $335 to $1,335 | 11% above |
| Florida | $260 to $1,030 | 14% below |
| Georgia | $255 to $1,015 | 15% below |
| Hawaii | $320 to $1,290 | 7% above |
| Idaho | $315 to $1,250 | 4% above |
| Illinois | $420 to $1,685 | 41% above |
| Indiana | $315 to $1,255 | 5% above |
| Iowa | $265 to $1,055 | 12% below |
| Kansas | $255 to $1,020 | 15% below |
| Kentucky | $255 to $1,015 | 15% below |
| Louisiana | $265 to $1,055 | 12% below |
| Maine | $270 to $1,085 | 10% below |
| Maryland | $325 to $1,300 | 8% above |
| Massachusetts | $395 to $1,575 | 31% above |
| Michigan | $320 to $1,290 | 7% above |
| Minnesota | $405 to $1,610 | 34% above |
| Mississippi | $245 to $975 | 19% below |
| Missouri | $265 to $1,050 | 12% below |
| Montana | $320 to $1,280 | 6% above |
| Nebraska | $250 to $1,005 | 16% below |
| Nevada | $275 to $1,105 | 8% below |
| New Hampshire | $325 to $1,295 | 8% above |
| New Jersey | $415 to $1,660 | 38% above |
| New Mexico | $245 to $980 | 18% below |
| New York | $355 to $1,430 | 19% above |
| North Carolina | $265 to $1,060 | 12% below |
| North Dakota | $325 to $1,295 | 8% above |
| Ohio | $265 to $1,070 | 11% below |
| Oklahoma | $235 to $945 | 21% below |
| Oregon | $320 to $1,275 | 6% above |
| Pennsylvania | $300 to $1,205 | 1% above |
| Rhode Island | $335 to $1,335 | 11% above |
| South Carolina | $250 to $990 | 17% below |
| South Dakota | $260 to $1,035 | 14% below |
| Tennessee | $245 to $990 | 18% below |
| Texas | $250 to $995 | 17% below |
| Utah | $265 to $1,055 | 12% below |
| Vermont | $320 to $1,280 | 7% above |
| Virginia | $260 to $1,050 | 13% below |
| Washington | $330 to $1,315 | 9% above |
| West Virginia | $275 to $1,110 | 8% below |
| Wisconsin | $320 to $1,285 | 7% above |
| Wyoming | $245 to $990 | 18% below |
Labor ranges follow local roofer pay. Choose your state in the metal roof cost estimator above to use it.
Why do two metal roof quotes for the same house differ so much?
The metal you pick, the shape of the roof and what sits under the old shingles explain most of the gap. Here is how each one moves the price.
| Factor | What changes the price | Typical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Metal and profile | Exposed fastener steel is the budget option. Standing seam takes more precise work, and copper or zinc sit at the top. | $7 to $12 per sq ft corrugated, $25 to $40 copper |
| Roof pitch | A steeper roof has more surface, and anything past 6/12 slows the crew and needs more safety gear. | 6/12 adds about 12% to the area, 12/12 about 41% |
| Roof shape | Valleys, hips, dormers and skylights mean more cuts and offcuts that cannot be reused. | 10% waste on a simple roof, 15% or more on a cut up one |
| Panel gauge | 26 gauge is the usual residential steel and 24 gauge is thicker and resists dents. 29 gauge is too thin for a roof you plan to keep. | 24 gauge costs 25% to 40% more than 26 |
| Paint finish | PVDF holds its color longer than SMP. | PVDF panels cost 30% to 40% more |
| Tear off | Where code allows, metal can go over one sound layer of shingles and skip the removal. | $100 to $150 per square for one layer, $150 to $250 for two |
| Decking | Rotted sheathing found under the old roof has to be replaced before any metal goes on. | $200 to $1,200+ |
| Underlayment | Metal needs a synthetic or high temperature underlayment. | $0.50 to $2 per sq ft |
| Trim and hardware | Ridge caps, drip edge, valley and chimney flashing, screws and clips, plus any vent fixes the roof needs. | Trim $500 to $3,000, fasteners $300 to $1,000, vents $300 to $1,200 |
| Gutters | Old or undersized gutters are often swapped with the roof. | $2,300 to $6,000 |
| Location | Roofer pay changes from state to state. | Median pay $21.00 an hour in Oklahoma, $37.45 in Illinois |
How do roofers estimate a metal roof?
A metal roof bid is mostly measuring and material math. Get the pitch or the waste wrong and the job loses money before the first panel is cut:
- Measure the roofTake the footprint and the pitch, or measure each plane from the roof itself. A gambrel or any roof with mixed pitches needs each section worked out on its own.
- Convert to squaresRoof surface divided by 100.
- Add wasteAbout 10% on a simple gable and 15% or more once valleys, dormers and skylights appear, because metal offcuts rarely get used again.
- Price the materialPanels by gauge and finish, then underlayment, trim, flashing and fasteners.
- Price labor and tear offLabor per square for the profile and pitch, plus tear off by layer and the dumpster. Walk the deck before you promise a job with no tear off.
- Set the margin and show the linesOverhead and profit go on last. Panels, labor and extras on separate lines make your bid easy to compare.
Every step above is a field in the Build a quote tab.
What profit margin should a roofing company aim for?
These benchmarks help when you pick a profit margin in the Build a quote tab. Gross margin is what remains after materials and crew labor; net margin is what is left once the office, trucks, insurance, marketing and taxes are paid.
| Margin | Most roofing companies | Top earners |
|---|---|---|
| Gross profit margin | 20% to 40% | 45% to 55% |
| Net profit margin | 5% to 15% | 15% to 20% |
Roofers: a metal roof lead rarely calls twice.
Homeowners pricing a metal roof ring several roofers, and they often call while your crew is up on a ridge with no hand free for the phone. ServiceAgent answers every call day and night, takes the address, roof size and timeline, and puts the inspection on your calendar before the next roofer calls them back.
Book a free demoFrequently asked questions
Plain answers on metal roof prices, sizes, materials and how this estimator works.
Book a free demoHow much does a metal roof cost for a 2,000 sq ft house?
A 2,000 sq ft metal roof usually costs $14,000 to $58,000 installed, and many homeowners spend around $27,500. The roof is bigger than the floor plan, though: at a 6/12 pitch a 2,000 sq ft footprint carries about 2,236 sq ft of roof.
How much is 1,000 sq ft of metal roofing?
About $7,000 to $29,000 installed. Corrugated steel lands near $7,000 to $12,000 and standing seam near $12,000 to $22,000.
How accurate is this metal roof cost estimator?
Close enough to budget with and to test a bid against, but it is not a final price. It uses installed costs per sq ft for each metal, your pitch and waste, tear off and roofer pay in your state. Decking repairs, chimneys, skylights and local code can still move the number once a roofer inspects the roof.
Is a metal roof more expensive than shingles?
Yes, up front. Asphalt shingles run $4 to $8 per sq ft installed against $7 to $29 for metal, but a metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years or more compared with 15 to 30 for asphalt.
What is the cheapest type of metal roof?
Corrugated or other exposed fastener steel, at $7 to $12 per sq ft installed. Exposed fastener panels cost about half as much as standing seam panels.
Is tin roofing cheaper than steel?
Usually not. Pure tin roofs are rare today, and a tin roof normally means terne coated steel at $10 to $18 per sq ft installed. Plain corrugated steel at $7 to $12 is often the cheaper pick.
Does the estimate include tearing off the old roof?
Only if you choose it. Removing one layer of old shingles adds about $100 to $150 per square, and two layers $150 to $250. Where code allows, metal can go over one sound layer of shingles and skip the tear off.
Are underlayment, trim and fasteners included?
In the homeowner estimate they are part of the installed price per sq ft. In the quote builder they are separate lines: underlayment runs $0.50 to $2 per sq ft, trim and flashing $500 to $3,000, and fasteners $300 to $1,000 for a roof. Insulation is not included in either tab.
How long does a metal roof last?
Most metal roofs last 40 to 70 years. Copper and zinc can last even longer with basic care.
Does a metal roof increase home value?
Usually, yes. A metal roof returns about 85.9% of its cost on average, and its long life is a selling point with buyers.
Can I use this metal roofing cost calculator for commercial roofs?
Yes, as a first budget. The area and material math works for any building, but a commercial job needs a detailed takeoff and a written quote before work starts.
Leads growth and product marketing for ServiceAgent at SaaS Labs, where he has worked in product marketing since 2020. Writes ServiceAgent's coverage of AI call answering, CRM and home services operations.
GAF Master Elite installer with 16 years in residential and commercial roofing. Former operations lead at Beldon Roofing, now reviews ServiceAgent roofing content.
Published by ServiceAgent, the AI front office for home service teams. Estimates only. Metal prices move with the steel market, and the final price depends on your roof, local code and what the roofer finds once the old roof is off. Ask for an itemized written quote before any work begins.